IMP SHELTER
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. $15 per person per night, collected via on-site caretaker in summer or self-service cash boxes during off-season. No advance reservations. Groups of 6 or more should notify AMC via the Group Notification System at least two weeks ahead.
Town Hall Road Camping and Fire Restrictions
Camping and campfires are restricted along Slippery Brook Road (Forest Road 17) and East Branch Road (Forest Road 38), which together form a 7‑mile road system collectively known as Town Hall Road. Camping within ¼ mile of these roads is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a tent…
Lincoln Woods Trail Closure
UPDATE: Lincoln Woods Trail will close beginning June 15th through November 2026 when when restoration work commences. See the Lincoln Woods Trailhead page for more information.
Pemigewasset Wilderness Food Storage Requirement
Effective May 1st, 2026, all overnight campers in the Pemigewasset Wilderness must store all food, food containers, scented items (such as soap, lip balm, and toothpaste) and refuse in a cylindrical, hard-sided, non-pliable Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) certified bear resistant…
About
Imp Shelter sits at the heart of the Carter-Moriah range in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, just 0.1 miles off the main Appalachian Trail ridge. The site offers a timber-framed shelter that was fully restored in 2021, along with four small shared tent platforms (accommodating 2 tents each) and one larger group platform (3-5 tents). Total capacity is approximately 12-17 people. Amenities include a composting privy, a dedicated dishwashing area, and metal bear boxes for food storage. A spring provides water, though all water must be filtered before drinking. During summer months, an AMC caretaker is on site to collect fees and maintain the area. Outside caretaker season, the site operates on a self-service basis with cash boxes for fee payment. The surrounding terrain is steep and densely forested with spruce and fir. Access requires hiking in via the Carter-Moriah Trail, making this a destination for backpackers and thru-hikers rather than car campers.
Directions
From Route 2 near Gorham, hike south on the Carter-Moriah Trail (Appalachian Trail). Imp Shelter is located on a 0.1-mile spur trail off the main ridge between North Carter Mountain and Mount Moriah.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (603) 536-6100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Imp Shelter Page | |
| AMC Backcountry Campsites |
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